Washington is seeking qualified bidders for two projects: installing concrete sidewalks at the McConnell Sports Complex and replacing the roof on the Hildred T. Moore Aquatic & Fitness Center.

The two sports facilities are off Airport Road and adjacent to Washington-Warren Airport. A pre-bid meeting regarding the sidewalks project was conducted Monday. A city document shows the city would like the sidewalks install by March 1, 2018. A pre-bid meeting for the roof project also was conducted Monday. The city would like the roof to be replaced by the end of this year.

In January, the City council awarded a $56,000 contract to B.E. Singleton & Sons for some of the concrete work planned for the sports complex. The city budgeted $56,000 for this phase of the overall project, but bids came in higher than the budgeted amount. The city asked the lowest bidder, B.E. Singleton & Sons, to redo its bid based on the budgeted $56,000. Singleton’s original bid was $96,000.

“I was determined that they could complete work on three of the six fields. The city will have to budget additional funds in the 2017-2018 budget to complete the project,” wrote Mac Daniels, the Public Works Department’s maintenance supervisor, in a memorandum to the mayor and council members in January. That additional amount would be $40,000, according to a city document.

The project, in part, is designed to improve mobility for handicapped people at the sports complex and make the complex more compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The council, during its Feb. 8, 2016, meeting, decided to make improvements at the complex, including paving part of the parking lot and building a sidewalk to connect the parking lot with the playing fields.

There was some opposition to the project.

At the Feb. 8, 2016, meeting, Councilman Doug Mercer questioned the need for all the recommended improvements. Councilman Larry Beeman’s motion to proceed with the project was approved, with Mercer voting against it.

Mercer said it was his understanding the Rivers & Associates would provide a report “that told us what we needed to do to be (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant” with all city facilities. “I see a report that gives me a list of materials — that ultimately wind up with a bunch of concrete work that costs $110,000 at the McConnell Complex. I see no information about any other activity that needs to be done. As far as I’m concerned, this is not the report that we paid for and we should not proceed to do anything until we get that report,” Mercer said.

City Manager Bobby Roberson said, “I’ve read the report, and, unfortunately, in my opinion, somebody (was) told this is what the city was requesting — what you have in your agenda package this evening. I’m not saying it’s right or wrong; I’m just saying that’s what the consultant has basically told us this is what we’re going to get.”

Roberson said Rivers & Associate was told to look only at the sports complex, figure out the how to make it more ADA compliant and provide cost estimates for any related projects.

“That’s all we asked for,” Beeman said.

“That’s what we got,” Roberson replied.

Mercer contended the council should wait for the detailed report on ADA matters before committing any money toward related projects.